The Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the largest campaigning pressure group which works to promote and protect the interests of the self-employed and small businesses. The FSB was formed in 1974 and is non-profit-making and non-party-political. Membership fees are based on a sliding scale according to whether you are a sole trader and on the number of employees you have.
Free Services to Members
The FSB offers a number of free services to members including:
- telephone helplines
- export information and guidance
- legal assistance - both personal and business-related
- advice with taxation, VAT, PAYE, employment law and health and safety.
The FSB also offers businesses legal and professional insurance and assistance with defending legal action brought under a number of Acts of Parliament, together with other claims made against a business.
Legal and Professional Insurance
The FSB offers businesses legal and professional insurance of up to £1,000,000 to protect business activities against:
- Inland Revenue investigations
- VAT tribunals and appeals
- industrial tribunal costs
- employment disputes
- statutory sick pay audits
- PAYE audits.
Defending Legal Action
The FSB will help with defending against prosecution in connection with:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Consumer Protection Act
- Food Safety Act
- Statutory Licence
- Data Protection Act
- damage to property
- personal injury.
